Ralepelle signs for Toulouse

The Bulls have announced that Springbok hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle has not extended his deal and will join Toulouse in November.

The Bulls have announced that Springbok hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle has not extended his contract and will join Toulouse in November.

Ralepelle did not accept an offer to extend his contract with the side who he made his debut for in 2005 beyond October 31 this year.

The hooker indicated that he will instead take up an offer with Toulouse.

The Bulls and Ralepelle reached consensus on a possible extension in early May, on the proviso of the player also being offered a Springbok contract for 2014/15. A new offer, this time by Toulouse, prompted Ralepelle to decline the contract extension negotiated with the BBC.

The High Performance Manager at the BBC, Xander Janse van Rensburg said they did their best to keep Ralepelle at Loftus Versfeld, where he has played all of his Vodacom Cup, Absa Currie Cup and Vodacom Super Rugby matches and also became a Springbok.

"We tried our best, but Chiliboy decided it was time to move on. We respect his decision," said van Rensburg.

"I always wanted to play abroad and this opportunity will provide that. I also feel that I will develop further as a rugby player in France, where different set skills will be required. I can only improve by playing over there," said Ralepelle.

"The Bulls were my life for so long, so of course I will miss it, but have peace of mind about my decision to move abroad. There are no ill-feelings on either side, it was just time for me to move on."